The 18th South East Asia Survey Congress (SEASC 2026) serves as a premier regional platform dedicated to advancing the disciplines of surveying, geomatics, and geospatial science within the ASEAN region. Its primary objective is to facilitate scholarly exchange, professional collaboration, and technological innovation among practitioners, researchers, and policymakers. The Congress emphasizes the integration of scientific research, modern surveying technologies, and spatial data management to address critical issues in land administration, infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development.

By fostering knowledge sharing and harmonization of professional standards across Southeast Asia, SEASC 2026 contributes to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and enhancing the role of geospatial information in regional growth and resilience.

2. Congress Objectives

  • To provide a premier regional platform for the exchange of knowledge, ideas and best practices in land surveying, geomatics and geospatial science
  • To promote regional cooperation and harmonisation of professional standards across Southeast Asia
  • To showcase the latest innovations, technologies and research in surveying and geomatics
  • To address critical issues in land administration, infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring and sustainable development
  • To strengthen the connection between the geospatial profession and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • To foster meaningful dialogue between the private sector, academia, government and professional institutions across the ASEAN region
  • To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of AFLAG and honour its contribution to the surveying and geomatics profession in Southeast Asia

3. Congress Profile

Item Details
Congress 18th South East Asia Survey Congress (SEASC 2026)
Dates 18–19 August 2026
Venue Grand Ballroom, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Organisers Persatuan Jurukur Tanah Bertauliah Malaysia (PEJUTA)
Host Organiser ASEAN Federation of Land Surveying and Geomatics (AFLAG)
Supported by Lembaga Jurukur Tanah Malaysia & Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MYCEB)
Theme Smart Geospatial Solutions for a Sustainable and Resilient Southeast Asia Development
Key Supporting Activities Exhibition, SEASC 2026 Fellowship Dinner (AFLAG 30th Anniversary Celebration) & Technical Tour
Website seasc2026.aseanflag.org
Email seasc2026kl@gmail.com

4. Opening and Officiating Ceremony

The opening ceremony was planned and coordinated with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES). YB Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Deputy Minister of NRES, agreed to officiate the Congress. The committee prepared a detailed arrival, holding-room, seating and stage-flow arrangement involving PEJUTA, AFLAG, LJT, NRES and other invited representatives. The arrangements included welcoming the Deputy Minister, escorting the delegation to the holding room, official seating and coordination of the opening programme.

5. VIP’s & Invited Delegates

SEASC 2026 was honoured by the presence and participation of distinguished guests and invited delegates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) and the ASEAN surveying and geospatial community.

Other distinguished guests and invited delegates included:

  • Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Khalid bin Mohamed, Deputy Secretary-General (Natural Resources), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES)
  • Yang Berbahagia Datuk Muhammad Yasir bin Yahya, Undersecretary, Land, Survey and Geospatial Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES)
  • Yang Berusaha LSr Dr. Ahmad Sanusi bin Che Cob, Chairman, ASEAN Competent Authority Committee on Surveying (ACACS)

The presence of these distinguished guests contributed significantly to the profile and importance of SEASC 2026, while also strengthening engagement between government agencies, professional organisations and the regional surveying and geospatial community.

Their participation reflected the continued commitment of the relevant authorities and professional bodies towards advancing surveying, geomatics and geospatial development in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

6. Technical Programme and Speakers

The two-day SEASC 2026 programme featured a strong and diverse line-up of 27 distinguished speakers from Malaysia and several countries and regions, including Indonesia, Australia, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, China, the Philippines, New Zealand, Japan and the Netherlands. The participation of speakers from across the region and beyond contributed significantly to the international character and knowledge-sharing objectives of the Congress.

The technical programme comprised 10 plenary presentations, four technical sessions and panel discussions, addressing a broad range of emerging issues, professional developments and technological advancements relevant to the future of surveying, geomatics and the wider geospatial industry.

–       Key topics covered during the Congress included

–       Spatial Intelligence;

–       Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning;

–       Utility Mapping;

–       Climate Action and Disaster Risk Management;

–       Marine Geospatial Technologies and Hydrography;

–       GeoAI and Geospatial Analytics;

–       Smart Cadastre;

–       Advanced Surveying Technologies;

–       Professional Ethics and Leadership;

–       Education and Capacity Building;

–       Sustainable Cities and Communities; and

–       Smart 3D Cadastral Mapping.

A key strength of the technical programme was its holistic approach to the development of the geospatial profession. Discussions extended beyond technological advancement to include people, professional responsibility, education, ethics, inclusion and sustainable development. This demonstrated the increasingly multidisciplinary role of surveying and geomatics in supporting broader societal and economic development.

The Congress also benefited from keynote perspectives involving representatives and experts associated with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the World Bank. Their participation provided valuable international perspectives on the application of geospatial information in areas such as sustainable development, land governance, spatial planning and climate-informed decision-making.

Beyond the formal presentations and technical discussions, SEASC 2026 also provided an important platform for professional networking, knowledge exchange and the development of regional and international partnerships. The interaction among speakers, delegates, professionals, government agencies, academic institutions and industry representatives strengthened opportunities for future collaboration and contributed to the overall success and impact of the Congress.

6. Participation Engagement

SEASC 2026 recorded a total participation of 510 delegates, including 124 international delegates from across Southeast Asia and beyond. The Congress brought together participants from a wide range of Malaysian government agencies, ministries, professional institutions, universities and industry organisations, reflecting the broad relevance of surveying, geomatics and geospatial technologies across different sectors.

Among the Malaysian government and industry participants were representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM) with 32 participants, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) with 10 participants, PETRONAS with 5 participants, and the National Hydrographic Centre (NHC).

The Congress also received strong participation from professional organisations, including the Association of Consulting Licensed Land Surveyors Sarawak (ACLS), the Association of Registered and Licensed Land Surveyors Sabah (SAJUTA) and the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM).

The academic community was also well represented, with participants from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and other higher education institutions.

At the international level, SEASC 2026 welcomed delegates representing 15 countries and regions, namely Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Chinese Taipei, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Canada and the Netherlands. The diversity of international participation further strengthened the Congress as a regional platform for professional exchange, knowledge sharing and collaboration.

The final participation of 510 delegates exceeded the initial projection of approximately 400 participants. This achievement demonstrated the strong interest in SEASC 2026 and reflected the continued confidence and support of the surveying, geomatics and geospatial community towards the Congress.

The strong participation from both local and international delegates contributed significantly to the overall success of SEASC 2026 and provided valuable opportunities for networking, professional engagement, knowledge exchange and the development of future regional and international collaboration.

7. Exhibition and Sponsorship

The exhibition component was developed to provide industry and institutional partners with an opportunity to showcase surveying, geomatics and geospatial technologies.

Category Confirmed / Identified Exhibitor(s)
Platinum –       CHCNAV (China)
Gold –       SuperMap (China)

–       Leica Geosystems
Silver –       Impulse Radar

–       GPS Lands Sdn Bhd

–       SurMAP
Bronze –       Global-Track System

–       Jalal Johari Consultant

–       SinoGNSS

–       Info Geomatic

–       Indah Geomatics Sdn Bhd

8. Fellowship Dinner and AFLAG 30th Anniversary Celebration

The Fellowship Dinner was held on the evening of 18 August 2026 at the Sarawak Grand Ballroom. The dinner was designed as a networking and fellowship event for conference speakers, exhibitors, PEJUTA representatives, AFLAG representatives, and invited guests. The dinner was arranged in buffet style, with formal suit and batik as the recommended attire. The event also incorporated the AFLAG 30th Anniversary Celebration.

The anniversary programme included a commemorative medal recognising AFLAG Honorary Presidents and a multimedia montage featuring photographs from different AFLAG presidential terms. These elements provided a dedicated opportunity to recognise the Federation’s history, leadership and contribution to the surveying and geospatial profession in Southeast Asia.

9. Technical Tour

A technical tour was scheduled for the morning of 20 August 2026. The itinerary included Merdeka 118, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Central Market. Transportation and communication arrangements were confirmed during the preparation stage, and AFLAG Council Members were scheduled to participate in visits to Merdeka 118 and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

The tour complemented the technical sessions by giving delegates an opportunity to experience selected Malaysian landmarks and urban environments while strengthening professional networking in an informal setting.

10. Conclusion

SEASC 2026 represented an important regional platform for advancing professional collaboration, knowledge exchange and industry engagement in surveying, geomatics and geospatial sciences. The Congress combined technical content with networking, exhibition, cultural and professional fellowship activities, while also providing a significant platform to commemorate the 30th anniversary of AFLAG.

The successful delivery of the Congress was supported by the commitment of PEJUTA, AFLAG the Local Organising Committee, government stakeholders, professional institutions, universities, industry partners, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and participants. The experience and lessons from SEASC 2026 should be used to strengthen planning, international engagement, financial management and delegate experience for future SEASC editions.